It’s tough when your basement floods—it can affect the activities you usually do there, and it can damage the personal property you’ve put in there. Flooding in the basement is more common than you think, mainly because the basement is by definition at the bottom of your house and most of the time is found below ground level.
Flooded Basement
That being said, it’s still important to know the actual reason for flooding in your basement. Below are some of the most common reasons why basements can flood, so check them out and hopefully you’ll be able to solve your problem. These are only some of the possibilities, and it’s important to get a professional to give you an assessment. This can save you a lot of money in the long run, and many basement waterproofing companies will give you a free estimate for basement waterproofing and repair.
Too much surface water
Rainfall and melting snow are among the common culprits for leaks in the basement. If there’s inadequate drainage and the ground is not able to absorb these sources of water, then the water will seep downward and could eventually make its way to the basement—unless the proper measures are taken. Waterproofing is of course a good start, and the use of a sump pump is often necessary as well.
Cracked walls or foundations
Sometimes, flooding is caused by structural issues. Cracks in your basements walls or in the house’s foundations are going to let moisture—and eventually water—in. Water can get into the cracks through a number of ways: exterior drains, poorly positioned downspouts, improper lot grading, and through uncovered basement window wells, among others. Cracks on the floor, a byproduct of hydrostatic pressure affecting many homes, may also contribute to basement flooding.
It’s best to get the damaged sections fixed as soon as possible. Not only do you prevent flooding in the basement, you’ll also ensure that your home remains structurally sound.
Pipe issues
Water lines and sewer pipes can crack or break, thus leading to basement flooding. Because some pipes may go through your basement walls, there’s going to be an opening where the concrete is broken to accommodate the pipes—and this is where seepage can occur. Even if the opening is sealed, water may collect behind the sealant or water plugs and eventually leak into the basement.
Damaged or broken sump pump
If your basement relies on a sump pump to collect rainwater or excess ground water that flows into the basement, then it needs a sump pump to pump out those fluids. If the pump can’t do its job, then water will just keep collecting in the sump basin until it overflows and the water floods into the basement. Periodically checking the sump pump is important so you can replace it if necessary or service the pump’s motor.
To ensure your basement won’t get flooded, make sure you watch out for the slightest signs of seepage and flooding, including puddles on the ground, moisture on the walls, excessive humidity in the air, musty smells, and mold growth are all stuff you need to look out for. Stay vigilant against the common reasons why basements flood by keeping the weatherproofing tight and ensuring that drainage and sump systems work well. Don’t hesitate to call on professional basement waterproofing services to help you out because many of these issues aren’t something that can be solved on your own.
Anchor Waterproofing is Maryland’s Premier Basement Waterproofing Company. Call us for a free estimate. We will beat any competitor’s estimate!
